Software Developer's Manual

Transcription

1 Software Developer's Manual Raster Command Reference RJ-4030/4030Ai/4040 Version 1.03

2 The Brother logo is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd. Brother is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd Brother Industries, Ltd. All rights reserved. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Each owner whose software title is mentioned in this document has a Software License Agreement specific to its proprietary programs. Any trade names and product names of companies appearing on Brother products, related documents and any other materials are all trademarks or registered trademarks of those respective companies.

3 IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Note This documentation ( Documentation ) provides information that will assist you in controlling your Printer RJ-XXXX (where XXXX is the model name). You may use the Documentation only if you first agree to the following conditions. If you do not agree to the following conditions, you may not use the Documentation. Condition of Use You may use and reproduce the Documentation to the extent necessary for your own use of your Printer Model ( Purpose ). Unless expressly permitted in the Documentation, you may not; (i) copy or reproduce the Documentation for any purpose other than the Purpose, (ii) modify, translate or adapt the Documentation, and/or redistribute it to any third party, (iii) rent or lease the Documentation to any third party, or, (iv) remove or alter any copyright notices or proprietary rights legends included within the Documentation. No Warranty a. Any updates, upgrades or alteration of the Documentation or Printer Model will be performed at the sole discretion of Brother. Brother may not respond to any request or inquiry about the Documentation. b. THIS DOCUMENTATION IS PROVIDED TO YOU "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. BROTHER DOES NOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT THAT THIS DOCUMENTATION IS FREE FROM ERRORS OR DEFECTS. c. IN NO EVENT SHALL BROTHER BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, ARISING OUT OF THE USE, INABILITY TO USE, OR THE RESULTS OF USE OF THE DOCUMENTATION OR ANY SOFTWARE PROGRAM OR APPLICATION YOU DEVELOPED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DOCUMENTATION.

4 Contents Introduction 1 About Raster Commands 2 1. Printing Using Raster Commands 3 2. Print Data Print data overview Sample (analyzing the print data of the test page) Preparation Checking the print data Explanation of print data for the test page Page data details Resolution Page size Feed amount Maximum and minimum lengths Raster line Print Command List Printing Command Details 18 NULL Invalidate ESC i S Status information request Initialize ESC i U Additional media information command ESC i d Specify margin amount (feed amount) ESC i a Switch dynamic command mode g Raster graphics transfer ESC i B Specify baud rate Z Zero raster graphics FF Print command Control-Z Print command with feeding ESC i z Print information command M Select compression mode MCR Command Specifications Command details 31 ESC #1 MCR on command ESC #0 MCR off command Response Flow Charts Normal flow for USB connection Error flow for USB connection (when feeding at the end of the page) Error flow for USB connection (with a concurrent printing error such as end of tape) Cooling flow for USB connection Flow for setting serial connection baud rate Normal flow for serial connection Error flow for serial connection Cleaning flow for serial connection 41 Appendix A: USB Specifications 42 Appendix B: Introducing the Brother Developer Center 43 - i -

5 Introduction This material provides the necessary information for directly controlling the Brother printer RJ-XXXX (where XXXX is the model name). This information is provided assuming that the user has full understanding of the operating system being used and basic mastery of USB and networks in a developer's environment. Details concerning the USB interface are not described in this material. If a USB interface is being used, refer to Appendix A: USB Specifications to prepare the interface. We accept no responsibility for any problems caused by programs that you develop using the information provided in this material, affecting software, data or hardware, including the Brother printer RJ-XXXX, and any problems resulting directly or indirectly from them. These materials are provided in their current condition, and we assume no responsibility for their content. Use this material only if you accept these terms. This material shall not be reproduced, in part or in full, without prior approval. In addition, this material shall not be used as evidence in a lawsuit or dispute in a way that is unfavorable towards our company. Read the model names that appear in the screens in this manual as the name of your printer Introduction

6 About Raster Commands Using raster commands an RJ-XXXX printer (where XXXX is the model name) can be used to print without using our printer driver. This operation is useful in the following situations. When printing from an operating system other than Windows (Example: When printing from a Linux computer or mobile terminal) When adding print functions to an existing system In addition, printing can be performed with advanced settings. In this material, raster refers to binary bitmap data (collection of dots). Refer to this material to print by sending initialization commands and control codes together with raster data to the RJ-XXXX printer (hereafter, referred to as printer ). This manual describes the procedure for adding these codes and sending the data About Raster Commands

7 At your side Raster Command Reference 1. Printing Using Raster Commands The printing procedure is described below. For detailed flow charts, refer to 6. Flow Charts. For details on each command, refer to 4. Printing Command Details. In addition, descriptions of the commands for the MCR (magnetic card reader) are provided. For details, refer to 5. MCR Command Specifications. (1) Open the port Port (2) Send the status (Confirm the printer status.) ( ) (3) Send the print data (5) Send the status (Confirm that printing is completed.) Computer, mobile terminal, etc. Your printer (4) Print (6) Close the port Printing Using Raster Commands

8 (1) Open the USB/serial/network port Open the USB/serial/network port in the operating environment. The procedure for opening the USB/serial/network port is not described in this material. The network port can only be used with the RJ (2) Confirm the printer status sent from the printer The status information request command is sent to the printer, the status information received from the printer is analyzed, and then the status of the printer is determined. For details on the status information request command and on the definitions of status, refer to Status information request in 4. Printing Command Details. (3) Send the print data If the status analysis confirms that media compatible with the print data is loaded into the printer and that no error has occurred, the print data is sent. The structure of the print data is explained in the next section, 2. Print Data. Note: No command can be sent to the printer after the print data is transmitted and until the completion of printing is confirmed. Even the status information request command cannot be sent during printing. (4) Print the data (5) Confirm that printing is completed When printing is completed, the status is received from the printer. If this status is analyzed to confirm that printing is completed, printing one page is considered finished. If the print job has multiple pages, (2) through (4) are repeated. (6) Close the USB/serial/network port After all printing is finished, close the USB/serial/network port. Note: In order to print at high speed when a USB port is used to send uncompressed raster data, the Brother RJ-XXXX starts printing when it starts to receive print data, instead of waiting for a print command (concurrent printing). For the processing flow, for example when managing errors, refer to 6. Flow Charts Printing Using Raster Commands

9 2. Print Data 2.1 Print data overview The print data is constructed of the following: (1) initialization commands, (2) control codes, (3) raster data, and (4) print commands. If the print job consists of multiple pages, (2) through (4) are repeated. (1) Initialization commands Specified only once at the beginning of the job. Sequence Command Name Description/Example 1 Invalidate 2 Initialize Sends a 350-byte invalidate command, and then resets the printer to the receiving state. Initializes for printing. 1Bh, 40h (Fixed) (2) Control codes Added at the beginning of each page and sent for each page. Sequence Command Name Description/Example Switch dynamic command mode Additional media information command Print information command Specify margin amount Select compression mode 1Bh, 69h, 61h, 01h 1Bh, 69h, 55h, 77h, 01h, 127 bytes of media information Note If the media information is the same as when printing was last performed, it is unnecessary to send the additional media information command. Sets the print information for the printer. For 102-mm-wide continuous length tape: 1Bh, 69h, 7Ah, 86h, 0Ah, 66h, 00h, 09h, 07h, 00h, 00h, 00h, 00h Specifies the amount of the margins. For 3 mm margins: 1Bh, 69h, 64h, 23h, 00h Selects the compression mode for raster graphics. To send the data compressed to TIFF format: 4Dh, 02h Print Data

10 (3) Raster data Repeated for each page in the print job. Sequence Command Name Description/Example - Raster graphics transfer Sends a raster line that contains data with pixels set to ON. - Zero raster graphics Sends a raster line with all pixels set to 0. 5Ah (Fixed) (4) Print commands Specified at the end of the page. Sequence Command Name Description/Example - Print command Specifies at the end of a page that is not the last page. 0Ch - Print command with feeding Specifies at the end of the last page. 1Ah (Fixed) Print Data

11 2.2 Sample (analyzing the print data of the test page) The print data created by the printer driver is described here. As an example, we will check the print data created when the [Print Test Page] button in the printer Properties dialog box is clicked to print the test page. Since the print data differs depending on the print settings of the printer, refer to this procedure and try creating print data with various print settings. Furthermore, this procedure is for the Windows 7 operating environment. A similar procedure can be performed if you are using a different operating system. Printer Properties Test page Preparation Install the two listed below. Printer driver of the Brother RJ-XXXX Binary file editor The data that we will analyze in this sample is a binary file. Therefore, use a binary file editor to display and check the contents of the binary file Checking the print data The procedure for checking the print data is provided below. Step 1: Change the port of the printer to FILE:. Step 2: Print the desired item (in this case, the test page), and then specify the file name. Step 3: Open the created file in the binary file editor to check it Print Data

12 Step 1: Change the port of the printer to FILE:. Open the Printers and Faxes folder, and then right-click the printer (in this case, RJ-4030) to display the Properties dialog box. In the Properties dialog box, click the [Ports] tab, select the FILE: check box, and then click the [Apply] button. [Ports] tab of the printer Properties dialog box Step 2: Print the item (in this case, the test page), and then specify the file name. For this sample, print the test page with the default print settings, which were specified immediately after the printer driver was installed. Default settings immediately after installation of the printer driver Print Data

13 When the test page is printed with the printer, a dialog box appears so that the file name can be specified. (Refer to the illustration below.) After a file name is typed in and the [OK] button is clicked, the printer driver creates the print data and saves it in a file with the specified name. Dialog box for specifying the file name Step 3: Open the print data in the binary file editor. Open the saved file in the binary file editor. The rows of numbers that appear are the print data. (Refer to the illustration below.) The print data is constructed of the following: (1) initialization commands, (2) control codes, (3) raster data and (4) print commands, which were described in 2.1 Print data overview. For details on the print data, refer to Explanation of print data for the test page. (1) Initialization commands (2) Control codes (3) Raster data (4) Print commands Print data Print Data

14 2.2.3 Explanation of print data for the test page The print data for the test page outputted in the previous section is described below. The following illustration shows the print data created in section Preparation opened in the binary file editor : : Print data Print Data

15 Descriptions for the numbers in the print data on the previous page are provided in the following table. For details on each command, refer to 4. Printing Command Details. No. Command Name Description 1 Invalidate A 350-byte invalidate command is sent. 2 Initialize The initialize command is sent Switch dynamic command mode Additional media information command Print information command Various mode settings (1Bh+69h+4Dh+00H) The printer is switched to raster mode. Send this command before sending raster data to the printer. Additional media information on the media size is sent. This is the command for 4" 6" (102 mm 152 mm). Media size information for the print data is sent. This is the command for 4" 6" (102 mm 152 mm) die-cut labels. This is the command for specifying settings such as cut options. Since there are no cut options with this model, it is unnecessary to send this command. 7 Specify margin amount Since a margin amount cannot be specified with die-cut labels, this command is sent with a margin amount of 0. 8 Select compression mode TIFF compression mode is selected. 9 Raster data Raster data continues. 10 Print command with feeding Since one page will be printed, this is sent at the end of the first page Print Data

16 Feeding direction Raster Command Reference 2.3 Page data details Resolution Resolution Height-to-Width Proportion 203 dpi high, 203 dpi wide 1: Page size (a) Continuous length tape Print area Print area Feeding direction Landscape Portrait Number 1 Width 2 Length 3 Print area width (maximum printing width) 4 Print area length 5 Width offset 6 Length offset ID Tape Size Designation mm 102 mm 4" mm 812 dots --> mm 764 dots --> mm 12 dots --> Print Data

17 (b) Die-cut labels Print area Number 1 Width 2 Length 3 Print area width (maximum printing width) 4 Print area length 5 Width offset 6 Length offset ID Label Size RD 102 mm x 26 mm RD 4" x 1" mm 812 dots 25.6 mm 195 dots 98.6 mm 788 dots 20.5 mm 156 dots 1.5 mm 12 dots 3.0 mm 24 dots 419 RD 102 mm x 50 mm RD 4" x 2" mm 812 dots 49.9 mm 399 dots 98.6 mm 788 dots 43.9 mm 351 dots 1.5 mm 12 dots 3.0 mm 24 dots 424 RD 102 mm x 76 mm RD 4" x 3" mm 812 dots 76.2 mm 609 dots 98.6 mm 788 dots 70.2 mm 561 dots 1.5 mm 12 dots 3.0 mm 24 dots 425 RD 102 mm x 102 mm RD 4" x 4" mm 812 dots mm 812 dots 98.6 mm 788 dots 95.6 mm 764 dots 1.5 mm 12 dots 3.0 mm 24 dots 420 RD 102 mm x 152 mm RD 4" x 6" mm 812 dots mm 1218dots 98.6 mm 788 dots mm 1123 dots 1.5 mm 12 dots 6.0 mm 48 dots Print Data

18 2.3.3 Feed amount The feed amount (left and right margins) is defined below. Type Minimum Margin Setting Maximum Margin Setting Continuous length tape 3 mm 0.12" 24 dots 127 mm 5" 1020 dots Die-cut labels The length offset indicated in (b) Die-cut labels of Page size is used. However, set 0 as the value of the specify margin amount command Maximum and minimum lengths The maximum and minimum lengths are defined below. Type Minimum Length Maximum Length Device Capabilities Value of DC_MINEXTENT Continuous length tape 25.4 mm 204 dots 25.4 mm 204 dots 3000 mm dots 3000 mm dots Die-cut labels Fixed Fixed Print Data

19 RasterLine 4 Zero Raster 1 Zero Raster 1 RasterLine 3 RasterLine 2 RasterLine 1 Raster Command Reference Raster line As shown below, the parts with data to be printed are converted with raster graphics transfer, and the parts with no data are converted with zero raster graphics. On the actual tape, margins (feed) are added specified with various mode settings at the beginning and the end. Feeding direction Expansion direction Print area Rasterized Feeding direction Print area Print head The following shows the relationship between the raster graphics parameters and the pixels. MSB LSB 1 st B MSB LSB MSB LSB MSB LSB 2 nd B 3 rd B 4 th B Print Data

20 Total number of pins: 832 pins Number of pins for right margin Raster line First byte Left and right margins Number of print area pins Total number of pins Print area Last byte 0 pin Number of pins for left margin Pins on print head Feeding direction Continuous length tape: Tape Size Number of Pins for Left Margin Number of Print Area Pins Number of Pins for Right Margin Number of Bytes for Raster Graphics Transfer 102 mm Die-cut labels: Label Size Number of Pins for Left Margin Number of Print Area Pins Number of Pins for Right Margin Number of Bytes for Raster Graphics Transfer 102 mm x 25 mm mm x 51 mm mm x 76 mm mm x 102 mm mm x 152 mm Print Data

21 3. Print Command List ASCII Code Binary Code Description NULL 00 Invalidate ESC i S 1B Status information request 1B 40 Initialize ESC i U w 1 1B Additional media information command ESC i d 1B Specify margin amount (feed amount) ESC i a 1B Switch dynamic command mode g 67 Raster graphics transfer ESC i B 1B Specify baud rate Z 5A Zero raster graphics FF 0C Print command Control-Z 1A Print command with feeding ESC i z 1B 69 7A Print information command M 4D Select compression mode Print Command List

22 4. Printing Command Details NULL Invalidate ASCII: NULL Hexadecimal: 00 Description Skipped If data transmission is to be stopped midway, send the initialize command after sending the invalidate command for the appropriate number of bytes to return to the receiving state, where the print buffer is cleared. ESC i S Status information request ASCII: ESC i S Hexadecimal: 1B Description Send a request to the printer for status information. For details on the status, refer to the previous section. The size is fixed at 32 bytes. Note Before sending print data to the printer, this command should be sent once. Since error information is automatically sent by the printer during printing, do not send this command while printing Printing Command Details

23 Number Offset Size Name Value/Reference Print head mark Fixed at 80h Size Fixed at 20h Reserved Fixed at B (42h) Series code Fixed at 7 (37h) Model code RJ-4030: Fixed at 1 (31h) RJ-4030Ai: Fixed at 5 (35h) RJ-4040: Fixed at 2 (32h) Reserved Fixed at 0 (30h) Battery level Refer to table (8) below Reserved Fixed at 00h Error information 1 Refer to table (1) below Error information 2 Refer to table (2) below Media width Refer to table (3) below Media type Refer to table (4) below Reserved Fixed at 00h Reserved Fixed at 00h Reserved Fixed at 3Fh Mode Value specified where the various mode settings command 00h if not specified Reserved Fixed at 00h Media length Refer to table (3) below Status type Refer to table (5) below Phase type Phase number (higher order bytes) Phase number (lower order bytes) Refer to table (6) below Notification number Refer to table (7) below Reserved Fixed at 00h Reserved Fixed at 00h Printing Command Details

24 (1) Error information 1 Flag Mask Definition Bit 0 01h No media error Bit 1 02h End of media error (only for die-cut labels) Bit 2 04h Cutter jam (not used) Bit 3 08h (Not used) Bit 4 10h Printer in use Bit 5 20h Printer turned off Bit 6 40h High-voltage adapter (not used) Bit 7 80h Fan motor error (not used) (2) Error information 2 Flag Mask Definition Bit 0 01h Replace media error (with a serial connecting) Bit 1 02h Expansion buffer full error Bit 2 04h Communication error Bit 3 08h Communication buffer full error (not used) Bit 4 10h Cover open error Bit 5 20h Cancel key (not used) Bit 6 40h Media cannot be fed (also when the media end is detected) Bit 7 80h System error Printing Command Details

25 (3) Media width and length The media width and length is described in millimeters. 0~255 (0 to FFh) (a) Continuous length tape * Media Width: The tape width is indicated in millimeters. * Media Length: Fixed at 00h Media Media Width Media Length 102 mm (b) Die-cut labels * Media Width: The width of the die-cut section is indicated. * Media Length: The length of the die-cut section is indicated. Media Media Width Media Length 102 mm x 26 mm mm x 50 mm mm x 76 mm mm x 102 mm mm x 152 mm (4) Media type Media Type Value Description No media 00h Used as print information when the media type is not indicated. Continuous length tape 4Ah Used for both paper and film. Die-cut labels 4Bh Used for both paper and film. (5) Status type Status Type Value Description Reply to status request Printing completed Error occurred Turned off Notification Phase change (Not used) (Reserved) 00h 01h 02h 04h 05h 06h 08h to 20h 21h to FFh If an error occurred during printing, the printer returns the error status Printing Command Details

26 (6) Phase type and phase number If the phase number is not used, both are fixed at 00h. Phase State Receiving state Printing state Phase Type 00h 01h Receiving state Phase Value (Dec.) Higher Order Bytes Lower Order Bytes Waiting to receive 0 00h 00h Printing state Phase Value (Dec.) Higher Order Bytes Lower Order Bytes Printing 0 00h 00h When the printer is turned on, it is in the receiving state. When printing begins, it changes to the printing phase (phase type: printing state; phase number: printing), and the printer sends that phase status to the computer. When printing has finished, the printer sends the receiving state phase status (phase type: receiving state; phase number: waiting to receive) to the computer. Unless an error occurs during printing, the printer sends the printing completed status. With concurrent printing, printing starts even if a print command has not been sent from the computer in order to print at high speed. At this time, care should be taken since the printing and waiting to receive phase statuses will be sent. (Refer to 6. Flow Charts.) (7) Notification number Notification Not available Cooling (started) Cooling (finished) Value 00h 01h 02h (8) Battery level Battery Level Full Half Low Charging required AC adaptor in use Value 00h 01h 02h 03h 04h Printing Command Details

27 Initialize ASCII: Hexadecimal: 1B 40 Description Initializes mode settings. Also used to cancel printing. ESC i U Additional media information command ASCII: ESC i U w 1 {d1...d127} Hexadecimal: 1B {d1...d127} Description Updates the media information for the printer. Send to the printer the commands outputted with the Save Paper Size Commands function of Paper Size Setup. Note If the media information is the same as when printing was last performed, it is unnecessary to send the additional media information command. Save Paper Size Commands function of Paper Size Setup 1. Preparation Install the two listed below. Printer driver of the Brother RJ-XXXX Binary file editor. The data outputted with the Save Paper Size Commands function of Paper Size Setup will be a binary file. Therefore, use a binary file editor to display and check the contents of the binary file Printing Command Details

28 Open the [Devices and Printers] window, right-click the printer, and then display the Printing Preferences dialog box. Click the [Paper Size Setup] button on the [Basic] tab to display the Paper Size Setup dialog box. (Refer to the illustration below.) Click [Save Paper Size Commands] button to display a dialog box for creating a file for saving the paper size commands, and then save them in a file with the specified name. 2. Open the saved file in the binary file editor. The rows of numbers that appear are the command data.(refer to the illustration below.) In the command data that appeared, the part marked with the red box is the additional media information command. Of this, the 127 bytes underlined in orange are the media information. Use this when adding media information Printing Command Details

29 ESC i d Specify margin amount (feed amount) ASCII: ESC i d {n1} {n2} Hexadecimal: 1B {n1} {n2} Description Specifies the amount of the margins. Margin amount (dots)=n1+n2*256 With die-cut labels, the margin amount at the ends of the printed area is 0. (a) Continuous length tape Paper Tape Print area Margin amount Cut line (b) Die-cut labels Paper Label Print area Margin amount (only 0 is available) Cut line Printing Command Details

30 ESC i a Switch dynamic command mode ASCII: ESC i a {n1} Hexadecimal: 1B {n1} Parameters Definitions of {n}: 0: ESC/P mode (default) 1: Raster mode (Be sure to switch to this mode.) 3: P-touch Template mode Description Dynamically switches between the printer's command modes. A printer that receives this command operates in the specified command mode until the printer is turned off. The printer must be switched to raster mode before raster data is sent to it. Therefore, send this command to switch the printer to raster mode. g Raster graphics transfer ASCII: g {s} {n} {d1}... {dn} Hexadecimal: 67 {s} {n} {d1}... {dn} Parameters {s} 00h {n} Number of bytes of raster data (d1 to dh) However, use the following value if no compression is specified as the compression mode. n=104 {d1~dn} Raster data Printing Command Details

31 ESC i B Specify baud rate ASCII: ESC i B {n1} {n2} Hexadecimal: 1B {n1} {n2} Parameters Setting=n1+n2*256 Setting: 96=9600 bps, 576=57600 bps, 1152= bps Description Changes the communications baud rate for the printer. The manufacturer s default setting is 9600 bps. Z Zero raster graphics ASCII: Z Hexadecimal: 5A Description Fills raster line with 0 data. FF Print command ASCII: FF Hexadecimal: 0C Description Used as a print command at the end of pages other than the last page when multiple pages are printed. Control-Z Print command with feeding ASCII: Control-Z Hexadecimal: 1A Description Used as a print command at the end of the last page Printing Command Details

32 ESC i z Print information command ASCII: ESC i z {n1} {n2} {n3} {n4} {n5} {n6} {n7} {n8} {n9} {n10} Hexadecimal: 1B 69 7A {n1} {n2} {n3} {n4} {n5} {n6} {n7} {n8} {n9} {n10} Description Specifies the print information. Definitions of {n1} through {n10} {n1}: {n2}: {n3}: {n4}: {n5-n8}: Valid flag; Specifies which values are valid #define PI_KIND 0x02 // Media type #define PI_WIDTH 0x04 // Media width #define PI_LENGTH 0x08 // Media length #define PI_QUALITY 0x40 // Priority given to print quality #define PI_RECOVER 0x80 // Printer recovery always on Media type Continuous length tape: 0Ah Die-cut labels: 0Bh {n3}: Media width (mm) {n4}: Media length (mm) For the media of width 102 mm length 152 mm, specify as n3=66h and n4=98h. Raster number = n8*256*256*256 + n7*256*256 + n6*256 + n5 If the media is not correctly loaded into the printer when the valid flag for PI_KIND, PI_WIDTH and PI_LENGTH are set to ON, an error status is returned (Bit 0 of (2) Error information 2 is set to ON.) {n9}: Starting page: 0 Other pages: 1 {n10}: Fixed at Printing Command Details

33 M Select compression mode Parameters Description ASCII: M {n} Hexadecimal: 4D Definitions of {n} {n} 0 No-compression mode (Enabled) 1 Reserved (Disabled) 2 TIFF (Enabled) Selects the compression mode. Data compression is available only for data in raster graphic transfer. [TIFF(Pack Bits)] 1-byte units If the same data is repeated, the number of data units and that 1 byte of data are specified. If different data is in a series, the number of data items and all of the different data are specified. If the same data is repeated, the number of data units is specified as the actual number minus 1, expressed as a negative number. If different data is in a series, the number of data units is specified as the number of bytes minus 1, expressed as a positive number. If the above process results in more than 162 bytes of compressed data, the data is treated as being all different. As a result, the data will be 163 bytes, including the 1 byte that specifies the data length. Example 1 raster of raster graphics transfer: Without compression: BA BF A2 22 2B With compression: ED 00 FF BA BF A2 22 2B a b c a. Since 00h is repeated for 20 bytes, 20d -> 19d -> 13h changed into a negative number is EDh. Therefore: ED 00 b. Since 22h is repeated for 2 bytes, 2d -> 1d -> 1h changed into a negative number is FFh. Therefore: FF 22 c. The following 6 bytes remain unchanged. 6d -> 5d -> 5h Therefore: BA BF A2 22 2B Continue for the remaining number of bytes for the uncompressed data. Even if 00h continues until the end, it cannot be omitted Printing Command Details

34 Explanation of TIFF compression mode With compression, the data for the raster graphics transfer command is based on 104 bytes of the total number of pins (832). As shown below, with no compression, the sum of the number of offset pins and the number of pins within the print area is the byte data. However, with compression, the number of unused pins is also added to the data. In other words, with compression, this becomes 104 bytes when it is expanded by the printer, regardless of the tape width. Raster line with compression Raster line with no compression 0 pin First byte Number of offset pins Tape margin Total number of pins Number of print area pins Print area Number of unused pins Pins on print head Last byte Feeding direction Printing Command Details

35 5. MCR Command Specifications 5.1. Command details ESC #1 MCR on command ASCII: ESC # 1 {n1} {n2} {n3} Hexadecimal: 1B {n1} {n2} {n3} Description Turns on MCR. Does nothing if it is already on. Definitions of {n1} through {n3} {n1}: Set read/response mode 00h: Continuous reading mode 01h: Single reading mode (Reading ends even if it failed) *Does nothing if none of the above {n2}: {n3}: Timeout setting (seconds, 1 (min.) to 255 (max.)); 0 (00h) indicates no timeout. Read track setting {n3} Read track Track3 Track2 Track1 1 (01h) (02h) (03h) - 4 (04h) (05h) - 6 (06h) - 7 (07h) *7 (07h) if other than 1 through 7 ESC #0 MCR off command ASCII: ESC # 0 Hexadecimal: 1B Description Turns off MCR. Does nothing if it is already off MCR Command Specifications

36 5.2. Response Condition Response Description Successful Reception Response (When there is data) Hex 54h [track] 3Ah [data] 0Dh 0Ah ASCII T [track] : [data] CR LF Response that returns the read card data [track]: Track number (ASCII, 1 to 3 ) Track1: 31h, Track2: 32h, Track3: 33h Track number Multiple bytes Delimiter [data]: Read data string (ASCII) SS start code and FC, AS, ES, SS, etc. symbols are not included. Condition Response Description Successful Reception Response (When there is no data) Hex 54h [track] 3Ah [ empty ] 0Dh 0Ah ASCII T [track] : [ empty ] CR LF Track number Character string empty Delimiter Response indicating that there was no data on the track specified with the MCR on command This response is returned if the specified track does not exist on the card. [track]: Track number (ASCII, 1 to 3 ) [ empty ]: The character string empty is entered. Track1: 31h, Track2: 32h, Track3: 33h Hex 65h 6Dh 70h 74h 79h ASCII e m p t y MCR Command Specifications

37 Reading multiple tracks Data in the above-mentioned format is combined for the specified number of tracks and sent. Example: Reading Track 1 and Track 2 54h 31h 3Ah [data] 0Dh 0Ah 54h 32h 3Ah [data] 0Dh 0Ah T 1 : [data] CR LF T 2 : [data] CR LF Condition Response Description Failed Reception Response (Timeout) Hex 54h 30h 3Ah [ timeout ] 0Dh 0Ah ASCII T 0 : [ timeout ] CR LF Character string timeout Delimiter Response indicating that it returned to the MCR off status due to a timeout [ timeout ]: The character string timeout is entered. Hex 74h 69h 6Dh 65h 6Fh 75h 74h ASCII t i m e o u t Condition Response Description Failed Reception Response (Read Error) Hex 54h 30h 3Ah [ can not read ] 0Dh 0Ah ASCII T 0 : [ can not read ] CR LF Character string can not read Delimiter Response indicating that an error occurred while reading [ can not read ]: The character string can not read is entered. Hex 53h 41h 4Eh 20h 4Eh 4Fh 54h 20h 52h 45h 41h 44h ASCII c a n n o t r e a d Space Space MCR Command Specifications

38 6. Flow Charts 6.1 Normal flow for USB connection Computer (host) If there are no problems with the printer status (media, etc.), the data is READ transmitted. If there is a problem, an error appears. Displaying sending Initialize Status information request Status (response to status information request) Sending control codes Status (Phase change: Printing ) Printer The printer is initialized. The status of the printer (media, etc.) is checked and a response is sent. Data received. Beginning printing without waiting for a print command Printing Display ing printing Phase change Printing received. Printing completed received. READ Finishing process for printing page 1 Sending data for page 2 Sending a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for the last page or print command (0C) for other pages) Status ( Printing completed ) Status (Phase change: Waiting to receive ) Sending control code/print data Printing of the 1st page is actually not finished, but the Printing completed status and Waiting to receive phase are sent. Status (Phase change: Printing ) Printing 1st page Printing 2nd page Flow Charts

39 6.2 Error flow for USB connection (when feeding at the end of the page) If there are no problems with the printer status (media, etc.), the data is transmitted. If there is a problem, an error appears. Displaying sending Computer (host) READ Initialize Status information request Status (response to status information request) Sending control codes Printer The printer is initialized. The status of the printer (media, etc.) is checked and a response is sent. Data received. Status (Phase change: Printing ) Beginning printing without waiting for a print command Printing Displaying printing READ Phase change Printing received. Printing completed received. Finishing process for printing page 1 Sending data for page 2 Sending a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for the last page or print command (0C) for other page) Status ( Printing completed ) Status (Phase change: Waiting to receive ) Sending control code/raster data Status ( Error occurred ) Printing of the 1st page is actually not finished, but the Printing completed status and Waiting to receive phase are sent. Error occurred Displaying printing If an error occurs, all data read from the computer is cleared. Displaying printing Error Occured received. An error appears. When restarted, data is resent starting with the 1st page since Printing for the 2nd page is not received. Resending process for data of 1st page READ Sending a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for the last page or print command (0C) for other pages) Initialize Reprinting 1st page Flow Charts

40 6.3 Error flow for USB connection (with a concurrent printing error such as end of tape) If there are no problems with the printer status (media, etc.), the data is transmitted. If there is a problem, an error appears. Computer (host) READ Displaying sending Initialize Status information request Status (response to status information request) Sending control codes Printer Any jobs with errors remaining in the printer are cleared. The printer is initialized. The status of the printer (media, etc.) is checked and a response is sent. Data received. Status (Phase change : Printing ) Beginning printing without waiting for a print command Printing Phase change Printing received. Displaying printing Printing completed received. Phase change Waiting to receive received. Finishing process for printing page 1 Sending data for page 2 Displaying printing READ Phase change Printing received. Error Occured received. An error appears. When restarted, data is resent starting with the 2nd page since Printing for the 2nd page is received. Resending process for data of 2nd page READ Sending a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for the last page or print command (0C) for other pages) Status ( Printing completed ) Status (Phase change: Waiting to receive ) Sending control code/raster data Status (Phase change : Printing ) Sending a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for the last page or print command (0C) for other pages) Initialize Status ( Error Occurred ) Printing of the 1st page is actually not finished, but the Printing completed status and Waiting to receive phase are sent. Printing 1st page Printing 2nd page Error occurred If an error occurs, all data read from the computer is cleared. Reprinting 2nd page Flow Charts

41 6.4 Cooling flow for USB connection Computer (host) If there are no problems with the printer status (media, etc.), the READ data is transmitted. If there is a problem, an error appears. Displaying sending Initialize Status information request Status (response to status information request) Sending control codes Printer Any jobs with errors remaining in the printer are cleared. The printer is initialized. The status of the printer (media, etc.) is checked and a response is sent. Data received. Status (Phase change: Printing ) Beginning printing without waiting for a print command Printing Status (Notification: Cooling (started) ) Cooling occurred READ Failed Returned NAK from cooling Repeating reading of maximum and transmission timeout times. If the transmission timeout is exceeded, reading, and displaying the cooling status if a hightemperature error is returned. 0 packet 0 packet 0 packet Continuing reading. 0 packets are returned while cooling. 0 packet When cooling is finished, Notification: Cooling (finished) is returned. Status (Notification: Cooling (finished) ) Resuming printing Flow Charts

42 6.5 Flow for setting serial connection baud rate Computer (host) Printer Printer waiting to recover from 3000 ms Sleep Old baud rate New baud rate Specify baud rate Specify baud rate completed status (normal status) Status information request Status (response to status information request) * The request/response at the new baud rate are simply to verify that communication is possible and may be omitted Flow Charts

43 6.6 Normal flow for serial connection Computer (host) Printer If there are no problems with the printer status (media, etc.), the data is transmitted. If there is a problem, an error appears. READ Displaying sending Initialize Status information request Status (response to status information request) Sending control codes The printer is initialized. The status of the printer (media, etc.) is checked and a response is sent. Data received. Displaying printing Sending a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for the last page or print command (0C) for other page) Printing Phase change Printing received. READ Status (Phase change: Printing ) Printing completed received. Status ( Printing completed ) Phase change Waiting to receive received. Finishing process for printing 1st page Sending data for 2nd page Status (Phase change: Waiting to receive ) Sending control codes Printing 1st page Printing 2nd page Flow Charts

44 6.7 Error flow for serial connection Computer (host) Printer If there are no problems with the printer status READ (media, etc.), the data is transmitted. If there is a problem, an error appears. Initialize Status information request Status (response to status information request) or an error is displayed The printer is Initialized. The status of the printer (media, etc.) is checked and a response is sent. Displaying sending Sending control codes Data received. Displaying printing Sending a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for the last page or print command (0C) for other page) Printing READ Phase change Printing received. Status (Phase change: Printing ) Status ( Error Occurred ) Error occurred Flow Charts

45 6.8 Cleaning flow for serial connection Computer (host) Printer If there are no problems with the printer status (media, etc.), the READ data is transmitted. If there is a problem, an error appears. Initialize Status information request Status (response to status information request) The printer is initialized. Status (response to status request) Displaying sending Sending control codes Data received. Displaying printing Sending a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for the last page or print command (0C) for other page) Printing Phase change Printing received. READ Status (Phase change : Printing ) Status (Notification: Cooling (started) ) Cooling * Cooling (standard) and Cooling (finished) may be repeated multiple times during one printing operation. Status (Notification: Cooling (finished) ) Printing Printing completed received. Status (Printing completed) Phase change Waiting to receive received. End process for printing 1st page Sending data for 2nd page Status (Phase change: Waiting to receive ) Sending control codes Printing 1st page Printing 2nd page Flow Charts

46 Appendix A: USB Specifications USB specifications 1.1 Item Description Vendor ID Product ID Class Character string for manufacturer Character string for product Character string for serial number Device speed Number of interfaces Power supply End point 1 End point 2 0x04F9 RJ-4030:2045 RJ-4030Ai:208f RJ-4040:2046 Printer Mass storage Character string descriptor: 0x01 0x0409: Brother Character string descriptor: 0x02 0x0409: RJ x0409: RJ-4030Ai 0x0409: RJ-4040 Character string descriptor: 0x03 0x0409: Last nine digits of the printer s serial number Full speed 1 (No alternate interfaces) Self-powered (As a printer class, Bus power is also set to ON.) In bulk (Sends the status from the printer to the computer.) Maximum packet size: 16 bytes Out bulk (Sends print commands and data from the computer to the printer.) Maximum packet size: 64 bytes Appendix A: USB Specifications

47 Appendix B: Introducing the Brother Developer Center Useful information for developers, such as applications, tools, SDKs as well as FAQs, are provided in the Brother Developer Center Appendix B: Introducing the Brother Developer Center

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